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Barnes Cottage
Wolland, Dorset
Barnes Cottage is a beautifully restored, single-story barn conversion designed specifically for guests with reduced mobility. Named after the famed Dorset poet William Barnes, this cottage combines rustic charm with high-end accessibility. It offers a peaceful, barrier-free retreat for up to four guests, making it an ideal choice for disabled travelers seeking a stylish and comfortable base in the heart of the Dorset countryside.
Property Reference:
170326/02
The heart of the cottage is a cozy, open-plan living and dining space that invites relaxation. The area is tastefully furnished to provide a warm atmosphere while maintaining the wide clearance necessary for easy wheelchair maneuvers.
Entertainment & Connectivity: Stay connected with free Wi-Fi and enjoy the communal recreation room nearby for books and games.
Dining: A flexible dining setup allows for comfortable meals at home, perfectly integrated into the living space.
Living Areas
Barnes Cottage features two thoughtfully designed bedrooms that prioritize both comfort and medical functionality:
Master Bedroom: Features a "Bello Sonno" fully height-adjustable electric profiling bed alongside a standard single bed, ensuring a restorative night for guests with specific care needs.
Second Bedroom: Equipped with versatile "Zip and Link" beds that can be configured as two separate singles or joined to create a spacious Super King-size bed.
Layout: Both rooms offer a 1300mm wheelchair turning circle and bedside-operable lighting.
Bedrooms
Guests at Barnes Cottage enjoy seamless access to the stunning Dorset landscape:
Private Seating: A dedicated outdoor area with a table and chairs provides a tranquil spot to enjoy views of Bulbarrow Hill.
Level Transit: A smooth, hard-surface route leads from the undercover parking area directly to the front door.
Shared Gardens: Access to the expertly landscaped sensory gardens and the communal courtyard, all designed with wheelchair-friendly surfaces.
Outdoor Areas
Features
The cottage is equipped with everything needed for a seamless self-catering stay:
Accessible Kitchen: A fully fitted kitchen featuring a dishwasher, washer/dryer, fridge/freezer, and microwave. It is specifically designed with front-access controls and clear legroom under the hob and sink.
Leisure Access: Seasonal access to the heated indoor splash pool and the large recreation hall.
Pet Friendly: Assistance dogs stay free, and one well-behaved companion dog is welcome.
Accessibility
Barnes Cottage is built to exceed standard accessibility requirements, offering a truly "limitless" environment:
Wet Room: A spacious, en-suite style wet room with non-slip flooring, a 1500mm turning circle, and a left-transfer toilet with drop-down support arms.
Specialist Gear: Free use of mobile hoists (bring your own sling), wheeled shower chairs, toilet raisers, and perching stools.
Smart Design: Features include 760mm clear door openings, push-pull door mechanisms, and light switches/sockets positioned at accessible heights (1100mm and 900mm respectively).
Nearby Places
Since Ellwood Cottages is located in the heart of rural North Dorset (near Blandford Forum and Sturminster Newton), you are perfectly positioned to explore some of the most scenic and accessible parts of the English countryside.
Here are the best accessible places to visit within a short drive of the cottages:
1. The North Dorset Trailway
Just a few miles from Woolland, this is a fantastic resource for wheelchair users. It is a reclaimed railway line that has been converted into a flat, surfaced path.
Accessibility: Completely level and paved with a hard-surface (crushed stone/tarmac) ideal for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Highlights: The section from Sturminster Newton to Shillingstone offers beautiful views of the River Stour and the restored Shillingstone Railway Station.
2. Kingston Lacy (National Trust)
Located near Wimborne Minster, this grand country house and estate is one of the most accessible National Trust properties in the region.
Accessibility: The ground floor of the house is fully accessible via a ramp. They offer a "shuttle" service (a buggy with a wheelchair lift) to take you from the car park to the house.
The Gardens: Most of the formal gardens and the Japanese garden have firm, level gravel paths.
Facilities: Accessible toilets and a "Changing Places" facility are available on-site.
3. Weymouth Seafront & Harbour
If you fancy a trip to the coast (about a 45-50 minute drive), Weymouth is famous for its award-winning accessibility.
The Esplanade: A completely flat, multi-mile stretch of paved promenade with stunning views of the Jurassic Coast.
Beach Access: During the summer months, Weymouth offers beach wheelchair hire so you can get right down to the water's edge.
The Harbour: The historic harbour side has been remodeled to be largely step-free, perfect for watching the fishing boats with a portion of fish and chips.
4. RSPB Arne (Poole Harbour)
For nature lovers, this heathland reserve offers a rare chance to see sika deer and spoonbills in a wild setting.
Accessibility: They offer off-road Tramper mobility scooters for hire (pre-booking is essential). This allows you to navigate the more rugged woodland trails that a standard wheelchair might struggle with.
Facilities: Accessible cafe and toilets with easy-access bird hides.
5. Sherborne Abbey & Town
The historic town of Sherborne is famous for its golden stone buildings and magnificent Abbey.
The Abbey: Almost entirely level-access and very welcoming to visitors with mobility needs.
Shopping: While some older shops have steps, the main "Cheap Street" is a pleasant, slow-paced environment with many accessible tea rooms.
6. Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park
If you are traveling with children or grandchildren, this farm park is designed specifically with accessibility in mind.
Accessibility: The entire site is flat and paved or on hard-standing ground.
Inclusive Fun: They have a wheelchair-accessible trailer ride (the "tractor ride") so everyone can head out into the fields together to see the animals.
Top Travel Tip for Dorset:
Because many of the villages surrounding Ellwood Cottages are very old, I recommend using the "AccessAble" app or website before heading to specific pubs or tea rooms, as some historic buildings may have narrow doorways.